In this review, we will be comparing SONIK 3 and SONIK 1, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by DALI
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of DALI SONIK 3 and DALI SONIK 1 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
DALI SONIK 3 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1.125" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 7" Wood fiber Woofer
- 47-26k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:25-150watts
- Weight:6.42kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 351.0" x 7-7/8" x 12-1/16"( 351.0 x 201.0 x 307.0mm )
DALI SONIK 1 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1.125" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Wood fiber Woofer
- 51-26k Hz Frequency Response
- 86 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:25-100watts
- Weight:4.10kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 275.0" x 6-3/8" x 8-13/16"( 275.0 x 162.0 x 224.0mm )
SONIK 3 and SONIK 1 are members of DALI's Sonik series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
DALI Sonik Series
History
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the DALI SONIK 3 and DALI SONIK 1 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both SONIK 3 and SONIK 1 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
DALI SONIK 3 |
DALI SONIK 1 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.125-inch
|
1.125-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 7-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
SONIK 3 features a 1.125" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 7" Wood fiber Woofer . On the other hand, the SONIK 1 features a 1.125" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Wood fiber Woofer .
Frequency Response
SONIK 3 has a frequency range of 47-26k Hz whereas SONIK 1 has a frequency range of 51-26k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 47Hz, the SONIK 3 can go slightly deeper then the SONIK 1's min frequency of 51Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
SONIK 3 and SONIK 1 have the same Impedance of 6 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. SONIK 3 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the SONIK 1's is at 86 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the DALI SONIK 3 a more sensitive speaker compared to DALI SONIK 1, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using
an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the
max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
SONIK 3 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas SONIK 1 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the SONIK 3.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
SONIK 3 features Binding post type posts and SONIK 1 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both SONIK 3 and SONIK 1 have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare DALI SONIK 3's and DALI SONIK 1's external dimensions. DALI SONIK 3 has external dimensions of 351.0 x 201.0 x 307.0mm ( 13-13/16inch x 7-7/8inch x 12-1/16inch ) whereas DALI SONIK 1 has external dimensions of 275.0 x 162.0 x 224.0mm ( 10-13/16inch x 6-3/8inch x 8-13/16inch ) .
DALI SONIK 3 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 39mm wider, 76mm taller and 83mm deeper than DALI SONIK 1.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the DALI SONIK 3 is approximately 617.1cm2 / 95.7inch2 and base area of the DALI SONIK 1 is approximately 362.9cm2 / 56.2inch2. The SONIK 3 requires 70% more surface area than the SONIK 1 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The DALI SONIK 3 weighs 6.42kg / 14.1lbs and the DALI SONIK 1 weighs 4.10kg / 9lbs. This makes the SONIK 3 57% heavier than the SONIK 1.
Here is a comparison of how SONIK 3 and SONIK 1's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of DALI SONIK 3?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SONIK 3:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 8 Sef-adehsive rubber feet Quick Start Guide Online Registration Card
What's in the Box of DALI SONIK 1?
Here are the items that come with the SONIK 1:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 8 Sef-adehsive rubber feet 8 Rubber bumpers Quick Start Guide Online Registration Card
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
87 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
7 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
47 Hz
vs
51 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
 Height |
275mm
vs
351mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
362cm2
vs
617cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
900USD
vs
1200USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
DALI SONIK 3 |
DALI SONIK 1 |
| Brand |
DALI |
DALI |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-150 watts |
25-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
86 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
47-26k Hz |
51-26k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
7" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Wood fiber |
Wood fiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.125" |
1.125" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
351.0mm (13.8") |
275.0mm (10.8") |
| Width |
201.0mm (7.9") |
162.0mm (6.4") |
| Depth |
307.0mm (12.1") |
224.0mm (8.8") |
| Weight |
6.42kg (14.1lbs) |
4.10kg (9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain laminate |
MDF/Wood-grain laminate |
| Available Colors |
Black Ash, Natural Oak,White,Walnut |
Black Ash, Natural Oak,White,Walnut |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
Fixed keyhole mount |
| Recommended Stand Height |
22-24" |
26-28" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |